BRIDGEWATER — The mayors of two Somerset County municipalities have proposed a court sharing agreement to save taxpayers money.

Mayor Daniel Hayes of Bridgewater and Mayor Brian Gallagher of Somerville have announced the negotiation of a tentative agreement to operate a shared court in Bridgewater's municipal complex to reduce both towns' court operations costs by sharing space and personnel, according to a joint press release.

Hayes said that Bridgewater will be able to reduce its costs by as much as nine-percent by using the state's model for sharing courts, in which the two courts will each retain their separate identities but will share personnel, the Bridgewater courtroom, violations area and records storage.

"I am pleased that we were able to examine our operations and figure out a way to combine our operations, retain our separate identities, yet focus on saving money for both towns, " Hayes said. "In this fiscal environment we must look at how every dollar is spent, and come up with creative ways to reduce costs and increase revenue."

Hayes presented the joint proposal at Monday's Bridgewater council meeting, calling for a tax savings of $73,000 to both towns – $47,000 for Bridgewater and $26,000 for Somerville.

"The ability to reduce our operating cost and move our court operations to one site is a benefit to our residents," said Gallagher. "We worked collaboratively to identify how we could maintain our own identity yet save money for both towns."

Bridgewater currently conducts court on the first and third Tuesday of each month, and every Wednesday, for a total of 76 days each year. Under the terms of the proposal, Somerville will hold court on the second and fourth Tuesday in Bridgewater, for a total of 24 days each year. All costs for the Somerville court will be paid by Somerville, with Bridgewater receiving funds for rent and overhead costs, the release stated.

According to Hayes, the proposal was driven by the township's vision of maintaining a high quality of life while delivering essential services with low taxes, and upholding the principles of resourcefulness, forward thinking, accessibility and transparency.

The proposed arrangement will have no change or reduction in services to Bridgewater residents, and for Somerville there will be no change in municipal control, judge, prosecutor or public defender, according to the release.

"Somerville has been exploring shared court opportunities for several years," Kevin Sluka, borough administator, said. "We are excited about the opportunity to be in a partnership with Bridgewater Township."

The mayors will now bring the proposal to their respective councils for approval. Bridgewater council will consider the resolution at their Nov. 29 meeting. Somerville council's next scheduled meeting is on Dec. 3.